According to a new study at Woodend Hospital in Aberdeen, Scotland, the best sitting posture for the back is NOT a 90 degree angle, debunking traditional medical and maternal advice.

The researches conducted MRI scans on 22 healthy volunteers with no history of back pain to observe the affect varying sitting positions have on the spine. The study found that those who slouch forward or sit upright cause strain to the spinal discs.

The ideal angle is a relaxed 135 degrees, which is the most natural posture for the spine. "Really the best position is what you get in a La-Z-Boy, although that wouldn't work well for someone using a computer" - Amir Bashir, Lead Researcher.

It will be interesting to see how this new medical knowledge will impact the wheelchair community. Those who use wheelchairs spend a good part of their day in the sitting position and are prone to back strain. There are already wheelchairs on the market that have reclining backs. They will very likely become more popular as this newfound knowledge takes hold.